Device for Collecting Debris

ABSTRACT

The device for collecting debris comprises a main section having an edge. The main section is divided into a first portion and as second portion by a main support. The main support extends across main section and connects at either end to the edge of the main section. Two handles are attached to the edge of the first and second portion of main section. A series of supporting members extend from the two handles to the main support. The interconnection of the edge, the handles and the series of supporting members provides a support system in order to allow the device to hold large amounts of heavy debris without ripping or tearing the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of collection devices. More specifically, the invention comprises a debris collection device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A garbage bag or bin bag made of plastic are typically used to collect garbage. Garbage bags can be used for most waste. However, as is often the case, waste can be bulky, sharp and/or heavy. Plastic bags are not ideal for collecting this type of debris. For example, after a car accident there can be a substantial amount of debris. A tow truck typically arrives at the scene of an accident to assist with the removal of the debris. A standard garbage bag would not adequately function to collect glass, heavy plastic and/or metal, It is therefore standard in the industry, for a tow truck to be equipped with an industrial trash can for collection of debris. The trash can takes up considerable space on the truck and requires a lid and mounting system so that it remains sturdily on board in transit. These mounting systems can be expensive. At the accident scene debris is swept and often shoveled into the trash can, the lid is secured and the tow truck driver takes the debris to a dump site. If the particular tow truck that arrives at the scene does not have a trash barrel the bed of the tow truck is often used to collect debris. This can result in trash and/or debris escaping out of the tow truck in transit after the truck leaves the scene. Further, it is not ideal to collect potentially hazardous materials, such as an automobile part containing or soaked in antifreeze, motor oil or gasoline, in a standard container.

The present invention seeks to resolve the issues present in the prior art by providing a debris collection device which allows a user to easily and safely collect and remove debris, Additionally, the present invention is easy and efficient to store both before and after collection of the debris. The present invention achieves these objectives, as well as others that are explained in the following description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a device for collecting debris. The device primarily comprises a main portion having a first and second portion. The main section includes a main support between the first and second portion. An edge extends around main section of the device. The first and second portion include a handle and a series of supporting members to allow the device to be sturdy enough to collect industrial debris, including, glass, metal, other hard or sharp objects and/or parts soaked in potentially hazardous chemicals. The device has an open position in which debris can be loaded onto the device on a flat surface. Once loaded the device is folded upward and the edges connect to form a pouch housing the debris. The debris is enclosed within the device and the user can lift the device to facilitate the removal and disposal of the debris.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing the present invention including a supportive panel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing the device in an open position lying flat on a surface.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the to portions being closed together around the debris.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing the edges of the first and second portion connected together.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing the present invention in a closed position, with debris inside.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10 device 12 first portion 14 main support 16 edge 18 handle opening 20 first handle 22 second portion 24 supporting members 26 panel 28 debris 30 main section 32 first end 34 second end 36 second handle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device 10 for collecting debris, as illustrated in FIG. 1. While any waste products can be collected in the present device 10 it is most effectively used for collecting industrial debris, such as glass, metal and hard plastic. Device 10 is primarily comprised of a main section 39 having an edge 16. Main section is divided into a first portion 12 and a second portion 22 by a main support 14. Main support 14 connects to edge 16 at a first end 32 and a second end 34. Main support 14 is a supportive element, preferably made up of any known material that can withstand considerable weight and does not tear or rip easily from sharp objects. Thus, main section 30 could be made up of a disposable and thick plastic. Main support 14 defines the crease along which the first portion 12 and second portion 22 fold upward and together. First portion 12 has a first handle 20 and second portion 22 has a second handle 36. Main section 30 has a series of supporting members 24 extending from said first and second handles 20, 36, to main support 14. An edge 16 surrounds main section 30. Edge 16 is sturdy and provides support for device 10. Handles 20, 36 connect to edge 16 and series of supporting members 24 such that when the device 10 is lifted a tension for is applied to the device 10 in an upward direction and the weight downward is distributed through the handle to the most supportive portions of device 10. This ensures that the device 10 will be easy to lift and move around without breaking. Edge 16 preferably contains industrial strength hook and loop connectors so that edge 16 around first portion 12 and edge 16 around second portion 22 ear securely attach to one another.

FIG. 2 shows the present invention in an open position, with a supportive panel 26 within the central portion of the device 10 proximate to supportive members 24. Panel 26 can be attached to main section 30 in any known method, including being fully integrated with main section 30. Panel 26 can be made of a material that provides additional support and absorption properties. Thus, panel 26 will absorb and contain chemicals or liquids that are seeping from or surrounding the debris. The panel 26 therefore provides an environmental advantage to a typical industrial trash can because the device 10 will not permit the liquid to escape nor will it be easily punctured. Although not visible, main support 14 still extends between first and second portion 12, 22.

In FIG. 3 device 10 is shown in an open position with debris 28 being loaded onto first and second portion 12, 22. Device 10 sits flat on any surface. Debris 28 can be swept, placed or shoveled onto device 10. The ability to collect debris 28 in this manner allows the user to easily and efficiently load debris 28 onto device 10. This can be particularly important at an accident scene where quick clean up is necessary to restore traffic flow.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, once debris 28 is loaded into device 10 first portion 12 and second portion 22 are pulled together preferably using handles 20, by grasping handles 20 at handle openings 18. Handles 20 perform a dual function of allowing the user to close and carry the device 10 while also providing a point at which the weight is best supported. The arrows illustrate the direction that the user pulls the two portions together. Debris 28 remains centralized on panel 26. As the edges 16 of first side 12 and second side 22 move together, as shown in FIG. 5, the user can begin to seal edges 16 together to form a pouch for debris 28. Again, arrows illustrate the manner in which the two portions are connected together. An industrial Velcro® is preferable for connecting the edges 16 together, However, any method of connecting the edges 16 can be utilized so that debris 28 is enclosed within device 10.

Once the debris 28 is enclosed inside of device 10, illustrated in FIG. 6, the user can easily pick up and transport device 10. The reader will appreciate that interconnected nature of edge 16, series of supporting members 16 and first and second handle 20, 36 act to strengthen and support a heavy load of debris 28 inside of device 10. Once debris 28 is collected device 10 can be placed in the back of a truck or even a trunk of a vehicle in order to dispose of debris 28. One advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the ability for the user to dispose of the device 10 with the debris 28 inside. Thus, the user is not required to have any further contact with potentially sharp or otherwise dangerous debris.

The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given. 

Having described my invention, I claim:
 1. A device for use collecting debris, said device comprising: a. a main section having a first portion, a second portion and an ethic; b. a main support attached to said main section located between said first portion and said second portion and connecting to said edge; c. wherein said first portion includes: i. a handle; and ii. series of supporting members extending from said handle to said main support; d. wherein said second portion includes: i. a handle; and ii. a series of supporting members extending from said handle to said main support; e. wherein said edge along said first portion and said edge along said second portion affix together.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said edge of said first portion and said edge of said second portion is affixed together by a loop and hook attachment.
 3. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a panel integrated with said main section.
 4. The device as recited in claim 3, wherein said panel is absorptive.
 5. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a panel attached to said main section.
 6. The device as recited in claim 5, wherein said panel is absorptive.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said device has an open position and a closed position.
 8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein when said device is in said open position, said device is capable of lying flat on a surface.
 9. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein when said device is in said closed position, said handles are capable of supporting said debris and said device.
 10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said main section is made up of a disposable plastic.
 11. A device for use collecting debris, said device comprising: a. a main section having an edge; b. wherein said main section is divided into a first portion and a second portion by a main support, having a first end and a second end; c. wherein said main support connects to said edge at said first end and said second end; d. wherein said main section has a first handle and a second handle connected to said edge opposite said first end of said main support and said second end of said main support; e. wherein said first portion of said main section has a series of supporting members extending from said first handle to said main support; f. wherein said second portion of said main section has a series of supporting members extending from said second handle to said main support; and g. wherein, said edge along said first portion and said edge along said second portion affix together.
 12. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein said edge of said first portion and said edge of said second portion are affixed together by a loop and hook attachment.
 13. The device as recited in claim 11, further comprising a panel integrated with said main section.
 14. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said panel is absorptive.
 15. The device as recited in claim 11, further comprising a panel attached to said main section.
 16. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein said panel is absorptive.
 17. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein said device has an open position and a closed position,
 18. The device as recited in claim 17, wherein when said device is in said open position, said device is capable of lying flat on a surface.
 19. The device as recited in claim 17, wherein when said device is in said closed position, said handles are capable of supporting said debris and said device.
 20. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein said main section is made up of a disposable plastic. 